The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has disclosed distancing himself from active politics to concentrate on his responsibilities as a king.
The monarch stated this during a visit to him after his coronation by ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), among other politicians.
The New Daily Prime reported Oba Ladoja was officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland last Thursday.
The historic coronation ceremony took place at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, where Governor Seyi Makinde formally presented the Staff of Office to the new monarch at precisely.
The event attracted a host of dignitaries from across Nigeria, reflecting the cultural and political significance of the occasion. Among those in attendance were President Bola Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and several serving and former governors, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and Donald Duke, as well as traditional rulers and religious leaders.
Prior to the formal installation at Mapo Hall, traditional rites were performed at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, where the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, placed Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head—symbolising the conferment of traditional authority. The newly crowned monarch then led a grand procession through the city en route to the venue.
Speaking on Tuesday during the homage visit, Ladoja said, “I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.
“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.”
While reflecting on his political journey with Atiku, the Olubadan said, “we started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.
“All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people—Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice.”
